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Indians waiting on contract decision from Jimenez

Indians waiting on contract decision from Jimenez

9/24/13: Ubaldo Jimenez pitches 6 1/3 solid frames, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out seven in a no-decision

By Jordan Bastian
/
MLB.com |

CLEVELAND -- The Indians are likely expecting Ubaldo Jimenez to hit the free-agent market this offseason, but the pitcher has yet to take an important step in that regard.

As of Monday, Jimenez had not voided the $8 million club option for 2014 that was included in his original contract with the Rockies. According to Cleveland general manager Chris Antonetti, the language of the contract permitted Jimenez to void that option in the event that he was traded.

The Indians acquired Jimenez from the Rockies via trade prior to the July 31 Trade Deadline in 2011.

"Technically, right now, it's still a club option," Antonetti explained. "At the time he was traded, he had the option to void it."

Antonetti noted that there is no specific deadline for Jimenez to void the option, which can be viewed as affordable in light of the season the pitcher just pieced together. After going 9-17 with a 5.40 ERA in 2012, the right-hander bounced back in a big way, posting a 13-9 record with a 3.30 ERA and 194 strikeouts across 182 2/3 innings for the Indians.

If Jimenez does void the option as anticipated, Cleveland could then offer him a one-year qualifying offer (estimated to be in the neighborhood of $14 million) five days after the World Series ends. If Jimenez were to decline that offer, the Indians would secure a compensatory pick in the June First-Year Player Draft next year.